calming a fibs

[peachtreepiggy]

So, I am having a fibs right now 9:30 at night in the USA. Heart rate went up to 137, then down to 80s 90's jumping all around. Could feel it racing and I was short of breath. My question is this: WHAT CAN I DO TO CALM ALL THIS DOWN? HOW DO I STOP THE ANXIETY WHILE IT IS HAPPENING? I just drank some coconut water for electrolytes and I am trying deep breathing, but it is upsetting....I am on metoprolol and Eliquis.

[bean_counter27]

Firstly, refer to the following advice from Dr AFIB:

"As a general guideline for everyone, I recommend that you go to the emergency room for a AFib attack if:

You feel short of breath, dizzy, or light headed

Any attempt at reducing your symptoms is not successful

You feel out of control or stressed

You are alone and don’t have anyone around to help monitor your symptoms

If you are experiencing chest pain"

Secondly, this will happen again and you need to discuss with your medical professional ways of dealing with it - whether with medication or some agreed actions e.g. when to go to ED in your circumstances. You shouldn't be waiting for hours on forums like this for advice, especially if you have any of the symptoms above.

Thirdly, there are lots of ways people successfully deal with their AF episodes. However, everyone is different so it might be trial and error determining what works for you.

In the first instance you need to be able to deal with your anxiety as it probably makes your AF symptoms worse. I worried more about my episodes when I didn't know what they were. Naturally I thought I was potentially having a heart attack and agonised over whether I should go to ER.

Now, as soon as I confirm it is AF with my Kardia I often just get on with whatever I was doing. At times it's still a little disconcerting and if I need to, I find going for a walk helps or doing something else to take my mind off it, like watching a good movie. I generally won't go to bed unless I am so tired I'd fall asleep straight away, otherwise it just ends up with me focusing on my heart beating and drives me get back up again to watch TV. Others use relaxation techniques and/or actions to try end the episode e.g. Valsalva manoeuvre, splashing your face with very cold water or drinking it etc.

I hope you're already feeling better and if you are, make sure you have a plan for your next episode so it is way less troublesome for you. If you're still in the midst of it then consider going to ER. If nothing else, being there will help with calming you down.

Good luck

[Buffafly]

I usually find that the first hour or two of AF are the worst. So unless I’m too ill to get to the bathroom without difficulty I stay calm (after a few swear words) and rest knowing I’ll soon feel better. When I do I either try to go to sleep or cautiously go on with my day. Distraction is the best medicine ❤️‍🩹

[CheriAlli]

I’m on the same meds.

Deep breaths and reminding myself that I’m going to be fine definitely helps.

When I get an episode I find it helpful to lay down and raise my arms above my head. Not sure why it works but seems to help me get through it. If you’re not in a place where you can lay down, at least sit down. I have to do this as I feel quite faint when it happens.

I also sometimes will take an lorazepam to relieve anxiety.

You should address these issues with your doctor. He/she should be able to advise.

Hang in there!

CheriAlli

[Foulplay]

It is a horrible feeling when your heart jumps around. Doctors are on call 24 hours . A call to your Doctor would help calm you or send you to the ER. Kardia mobile is also a great help . You can send the results to your doctor . My husband had an ablation 2 years ago and his afib came back over the weekend. He went back on Flecainide. It works for my dad and husband great but caused me more irregular beats. Flecainide is something to talk to your dr about that may help. Good luck it is just trial and error to see what works for you.